Feeding your skin with delicious serums and essences is a current trend in the beauty industry. But it’s not just the ingredients that should make the product succulent. It is also about the enrichment of wisdom being intertwined.
We, as humans, have skin that is similar to the epidermal cells and cuticles of a plant leaf. Not to mention, we share common DNA with many living organisms. It’s one subtle indication of how we should look to Mother Earth-approved companies and business owners, such as Indigenous peoples, who have committed to offering safe and ethically sourced products for inner and outer beauty. They are often considered the custodians and stewards of the earth, yet we see a lack of representation at beauty bars and cosmetic retailers across the globe.
The education in herbalism and sustainable practices that have been passed down from generation to generation is truly hard to ever surpass. In order for the plant of enlightenment to bloom for future generations, we must acknowledge as settlers and earth citizens that the act of watering the source is an important step in preservation instead of standing by and hoping the weeds don’t wilt.
Here are 5 Indigenous-owned brands your skin will love
Flyy Bod
From vibrant skin to vibrant packaging, Flyy Bod is proudly owned by Elissa, a Minjungbal woman of Bundjalung Nation located in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.
Flybodd offers yummy body lotions, washes, butters, and scrubs that will leave your skin begging for more. For instance, the BOD butter comes in three mouthwatering flavors that include tropical coconut, peachy papi, and a fragrance-free option. It features tropical ingredients such as Kakadu Plum, which was also eaten raw by the First Nations people, and Finger Lime, an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sḵwálwen
Bonding with the Earth has never been easier through the care of Skwalen, founded by Leigh (ancestral name Styawat), from the Skwxwú7mesh First Nations.
Sḵwálwen’s ingredients have a truly interesting journey. They first spend time on the land in between forests, estuaries, and or subalpine meadows. Later, the elements are processed through the mediums of scraping bark, cleaning, hanging to dry, infusing in oil, and more. It will then be developed into each recipe that turns into clays, plant butters, and quality oils.
The products range from Téýwilh Sweetgrass, Sage, and Rose Geranium Toner, Tewín’xw Cranberry Rose Facial Serum, and Kw’as Cocomint Lip Balm.
All of Sḵwálwen’s products are free from harsh chemicals, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances and colors.
Satya Organics
Inclusive is the best word to describe Satya Organics, founded by an Anishinaabe member of the Fort William First Nation, Patrice Mousseau.
The company produces a wide range of eczema-friendly products, from soothing gliding sticks to flower oat baths for both children and adults. Each of the goods are free from fragrance, steroids, gluten, or parabens and are hypoallergenic and non-stinging. You can expect comforting ingredients such as calendula petals, organic cold-pressed sweet almond oil, beeswax, jojoba, and colloidal oatmeal.
While pursuing Satya Organics, Patrice provides a beautiful playlist of Indigenous music to unwind that can be found here.
Wildcraft
Who needs to treat themselves on occasion when the pursuit of self-love can be found everyday at Wildcraft? Owned by Laura Whitaker, a Haudenosaunee woman from the Six Nation of Grand River, Wildcraft allows you to shop by concern in detail, making it easy to tackle any skin-related concerns. This includes a clarifying face cream featuring calendula-infused grapeseed oil, a nourishing mask formulated with mineral-rich pink clay, and a regenerate serum infused with seabuckthorn.
On top of that, Wildcraft produces a silk sea sponge that has been used in cleansing ceremonies since prehistoric times. The sponge has an incredibly soft texture and high mineral content that allows you to gently exfoliate the skin. It is sustainability harvested and even biodegradable.
Mother Earth Essentials
Inspired by the teachings rooted in the plants of the Medicine Wheel, Mother Earth Essentials, built by Carrie Armstrong, who comes from a long line of Cree Medicine Women, provides a unique wellness experience through the many layers of wisdom and knowledge in her goods.
The elements used by Mother Earth Essentials represent each direction of the Medicine Wheel. This includes sweetgrass, often called the hair of Mother Earth; tobacco, a pathway to the spirit world; sage, to cleanse negative energy; and cedar, representing grounding and balance.
With that in mind, you can acquire soaps, mineral baths, mists, and body lotions containing these powerful ingredients.
Don’t forget to also check out Mother Earth Essentials’ ongoing workshops to deepen your skincare practice.
What indigenous-owned brands are you supporting lately? Let us know in the comments.
